On Monday December 15th, Congresswoman Judy Chu visited a GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GLA) solar electric installation in Pasadena, California. At the event, the Congresswoman presented GLA with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for our extraordinary service to the community.
GLA Executive Director Michael Kadish escorted the Congresswoman through the site and explained how this and other solar projects come to life in cities such as Pasadena. Representative Chu also spoke with volunteers present about their job training experience.
GLA’s work in Pasadena has been supported through a municipal grant with CDBG funding awarded by the City of Pasadena, which faces cuts in funding by Congress in the next year. “We are always fighting to increase funds,” said Representative Chu.
Homeowner Maria Blanco will save 90% on her electric bill after going solar with GLA. “My kids were always saying I should do it,” said Maria when asked why she was going solar. “It didn’t seem like I could afford it. As I get older the bills get higher, and I keep thinking, what am I going to do when I get even older and don’t have a job?” The solar electric system installed on Maria’s home will save her more than $24,000 over the next 30 years.
Congresswoman Chu also took some time to present GLA with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for our service to the local community providing solar electric installations for families and hands-on job training to those who need it most. "It means a lot to our volunteers and staff to have our work in Pasadena highlighted by a member of Congress," said GLA’s Executive Director Michael Kadish, “It demonstrates that our Pasadena partnership is helping to set the standard for bringing solar energy to low-income families across Southern California."
To see more pictures of the day, click here.